Gus Bilirakis

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko), an important member of the Energy and Commerce full committee and also the subcommittee.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess).

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3723, the Consumer Safety Technology Act. I thank Representatives Burgess, McNerney, Guthrie, Soto, and Davidson for their leadership on this effort and, of course, our chairman and our ranking member, and our ranking member on the subcommittee, as well as the chairman of the subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, the bipartisan bill directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to conduct a pilot program to determine how artificial intelligence may be used to advance the agency's product safety mission. Given the agency's broad jurisdiction over so many consumer products, efficiently and accurately analyzing data in the marketplace is critical to its effective operation. This bill also includes an important study of how blockchain technology may be used to prevent fraud, increase privacy, and bolster our Nation's supply chain. This is complementary to the American COMPETE Act that also prioritizes this emerging technology to ensure America leads in the technology and in its development. Furthermore, H.R. 3723 also focuses on digital tokens, which are seeing increased adoption by consumers. The bill targets ways in which we can protect consumers from fraud in the digital token marketplace, a dangerous trend that has recently become more apparent. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues for their important work on this particular piece of legislation, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill directs the Consumer Products Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for clothing storage units to protect children from tip-over related injuries, as the chairman stated. The CPSC has recognized this as one of the top five potential hidden hazards in the home, with an average of one child fatality every 2 weeks from falling furniture and appliances. It is good to restate it because people need to know. We support this bill moving forward with House passage today. I thank the chairwoman of the subcommittee, my colleague, Ms. Schakowsky, for championing this bill; along with Mr. Cardenas and all of the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their efforts. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1314, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge National Police Week. There have been 124 police officers killed in the line of duty this year, unfortunately, including two of my constituents, Deputy Michael Magli and Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen. I went to the funeral services of our heroes, Mr. Speaker, and shared the anguish of their loved ones. They leave behind a distinguished legacy of service and sacrifice that deserves to be honored. This week, I was proud to cosponsor legislation that would increase penalties for crimes targeting law enforcement and strengthen funding for law enforcement programs. Law enforcement has faced unrelenting political attacks as part of the defund the police movement. This is a dangerous proposition that has already proven to leave communities less safe. I respect, of course, the service and sacrifices of our first responders, and I will continue to support them.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Bost and Chairman Takano for their leadership. This bill is very important. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, which I co-lead with my colleague and friend, Lauren Underwood. I also thank Representative Underwood for her efforts on this bill to help ensure that all female veterans have access to the maternal healthcare and support they need and deserve. Our Nation's heroes deserve the best possible care, and this legislation gets us one step closer to achieving that goal. Women are currently the fastest growing group within the veteran population, creating the greatest demand for maternity care ever faced by the VA. I have heard from my local VA medical centers about the growing challenges they face in providing maternity coordination for female veterans. The demand on this maternity coordination process has significantly increased over the past few years, from an average of 50 patients per year to now around 140, featuring a generally higher risk patient population than the private sector. My local veterans medical centers said that the additional program support and additional maternity care coordinators would be crucial in meeting the growing demand, which this bill will provide. The bill will also provide community maternity care providers with training and support with respect to the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans, particularly regarding mental and behavioral health conditions in relation to the service of the veterans in the Armed Forces--very important. Madam Speaker, these veterans honorably served our country. It is only right that we provide the quality maternity care and support they deserve. Madam Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support this particular bill.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, this is a real problem in this country. We have a mental health crisis, and, collectively, these bills address that. So I thank the chairman and the ranking member for bringing these bills to the floor. Let's get them through today, and then passed in the Senate and have the President sign because it will make a real difference in the lives of these people who are suffering with mental illness. Madam Speaker, our Nation remains in the midst of a suicide crisis. Over the past several decades, the suicide rate has risen sharply, increasing by 31 percent since 2001, making suicide the 10th leading cause of death, and claiming an estimated 47,000 lives annually. A 2016 study found that 11 percent of all emergency department patients exhibited suicidal ideation. However, only 3 percent of those patients were diagnosed by current screening tools. Furthermore, about 70 percent of patients who leave the emergency department after a suicide attempt never attend their first outpatient follow-up appointment. This is just reality, and we have got to do something about this. The Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act creates a voluntary HHS grant program to assist emergency departments in developing protocols for identifying, assessing, and treating individuals at risk for suicide with preference given to either critical access hospitals or hospitals located in a geographic area with a suicide risk that is higher than the national average rate. Grants last for 2 years and grantees must submit a report annually on their efforts to improve the identification, assessment, and discharge policies for individuals who are at risk for suicide. This proactive approach is vital because emergency departments often are the first-- and, sadly, too often the only--point of contact within the healthcare system for those most at risk for suicide. Madam Speaker, I appreciate, again, the bipartisan support of my colleague, and I worked on this with Congressman Soto. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. 1324, the Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act, to further equip our health providers to recognize and assist these patients in crisis.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, we have all worked together on this very powerful bill. There is no higher priority than keeping our children safe. I think most people know that. Since 2010, suicide has been the second leading cause of death for young Americans ages 10 through 24. From 2007 to 2015, the number of children and teens visiting the emergency room for suicide-related injuries doubled. In 2017, 517 Americans, aged 10 through 14, and 6,252, aged 15 through 24, committed suicide. Sadly, some communities in my district are among those with the highest suicide rates in Florida. I represent the Tampa Bay area, Madam Speaker. Research has shown that most of these young Americans tell someone that they are contemplating suicide or school violence, and 68 percent of averted violence was stopped because a student reported concerns about a threat, a plot, or other concerning behavior involving a peer. H.R. 586, the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention Act, or the STANDUP Act, encourages States, Tribes, and schools to create policies for student suicide prevention training utilizing SAMHSA-provided best practices, training, and technical assistance. By providing high quality screening and prevention training to school staff and peers, threats can be identified before they materialize, and those who are at risk have an opportunity to get the mental health treatment they sorely need. I have seen firsthand, Madam Speaker, the power of work like this through nonprofits like Sandy Hook Promise, and SAVE Promise Clubs at my children's school actually at Palm Harbor University High School, which is located in Palm Harbor, Florida, in my district. When properly equipped, students can be empowered to prevent violence in their schools. I appreciate the bipartisan work of my colleagues, and, of course, we actually sponsored this bill with Congressman Peters. I also want to thank the chairman for placing the bill on the agenda and working with us. I urge my colleagues to join us in passing this critical legislation to help reverse the troubling trend of youth suicide and violence.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairwoman for yielding. Madam Speaker, the United States remains in the grip of an overdose pandemic, unfortunately. I rise today in support of the Extending Temporary Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act. Madam Speaker, 3 years ago, DEA temporarily scheduled fentanyl analogues as controlled substances to crack down on China and drug traffickers smuggling fentanyl across the southern border. Last year, Congress passed the temporary extension that continued to criminalize fentanyl analogues until May 6 of this year. Previously, drug traffickers could slightly change the molecules in the drug, so the formula was not technically considered fentanyl and was not prohibited, although it was still potent, leading to a lethal game of whack-a-mole. Madam Speaker, locally, we have seen that fentanyl has been a major problem, even with the scheduling in place. Pasco County, in my district, has already had 48 people die from overdoses since January of this year, and many communities throughout the country are experiencing the same overdose increases as the pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health and addiction crisis in our country. Madam Speaker, if this scheduling ban expires, we expect far more fentanyl to flood our streets and many more lives to be tragically lost. We cannot allow this to happen. I urge my colleagues to join us in extending this current ban and to work together in a bipartisan manner on a permanent solution--it must be a priority--a permanent solution to this scourge.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I recently met with local and State leaders about the infrastructure needs of our community, which are significant. There is widespread agreement that an investment in our Nation's infrastructure is needed to alleviate traffic, improve flooding conditions, and address other safety concerns. Imagine my disappointment, Madam Speaker, to learn that less than 10 percent of President Biden's $2 trillion infrastructure package will be spent on roads and bridges. Also of concern, less than 2 percent of the package is allocated for waterways, locks, dams, ports, and airports, which are all very important to the State of Florida; and less than 50 percent is allocated for much-needed broadband expansion, which would help to address the digital divide in our country. These traditional infrastructure projects, coupled with infrastructure investments that are linked to our Nation's security, such as safeguarding our energy grid, water systems, and other critical assets from cyber and other attacks, are the types of projects my constituents want to see funded. Unfortunately, President Biden is using the guise of infrastructure spending, which enjoys relatively high support among Americans--it is really a bipartisan issue--to push highly partisan and unpopular policy proposals, such as the Green New Deal. Many of these policies will hurt American consumers and workers. The vast majority of spending in the bill consists of non- infrastructure expenditures. For example, the bill contains $400 billion in expansion of Medicaid; $213 billion in spending for housing initiatives; $100 billion of additional funding for schools, without any type of requirement for them to reopen; $50 billion for a new office at the U.S. Department of Commerce; $35 billion for climate science; and $10 billion for a new ``Civilian Climate Corps.'' Adding insult to injury, Madam Speaker, this astronomical spending plan would be funded through tax increases. This current proposal fails to address our Nation's most critical infrastructure needs and falls short of meeting my constituents' expectations. We can do better, Madam Speaker, if we work together. My constituents want their elected officials to work together to get things done, improving opportunities for our families and our community. They do not want to see us use our time in Washington to play political games. Please be assured I will remain focused on this paramount objective.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the current crisis at our southern border. In March, unlawful border crossings reached their highest level in 15 years. This includes nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, which represents a 99 percent increase from February and the highest figure ever recorded. This is a dangerous humanitarian, health, and security crisis that warrants immediate action. I am particularly concerned about these children, Mr. Speaker. As the President of Mexico recently confirmed, this administration's policies and speeches on this subject have convinced families that they can send their children to the United States in search of a better life. Yet, we know that the situation is often dire for these children. Human traffickers made an estimated $14 million per day along the border in the month of February alone. Shortly, I will be joining my colleagues to visit the border and speak directly to our Border Patrol agents firsthand about their experiences. I look forward to sharing that insight with my constituents. However, we already know that there is unprecedented disorder at the border, and immediate action is needed. We must secure our border immediately.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, this is a very important bill and needs to pass as soon as possible. I really appreciate the chairman placing the bill on the agenda. I urge the Senate to pass it as soon as possible, and, of course, my colleagues today, if we can pass this bill immediately so we can get it to the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this legislation, which was introduced by Representative Griffith. In order to prevent people who have not been vetted by authorities in dispensing controlled substances, this bill would clarify that the transfer of any controlled substance registration without written consent from the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is prohibited. A 2018 Energy and Commerce Committee report, which summarized the committee's bipartisan investigation into the distribution of prescription opioids by wholesale drug distributors, and the DEA's subsequent enforcement practices found that an opioid distributor and its pharmacy customer did not go through the appropriate process of transferring a registration to a new pharmacy owner. Failing to contact the DEA appropriately and to verify whether the agency approved the transfer of a registration to dispense controlled substances creates a serious risk that could lead to drug diversion. Madam Speaker, of course, I urge a ``yes'' vote on this. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Griffith).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge everyone to vote to pass this bill so we can quickly make this law and get it to the President. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I urge passage of this good bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1766, the FTC Collaboration Act. As bad actors and scammers continue their efforts to take advantage of American consumers, we must not back down when it comes to ensuring the safety of our constituents and authenticity of consumer products. The FTC Collaboration Act directs the Federal Trade Commission to examine how it can work better with State attorneys general to prevent, publicize, and penalize scams in the United States. This legislation would require the FTC to submit a report to Congress on how to enhance collaboration with State law enforcement. I remain confident this can help in other agenda items we can work together on in this particular session. It is so important that we work together with our colleagues on the State level. I am proud of the important steps this bill takes to keep consumers safe and, importantly, prioritize our most vulnerable during COVID-19. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. In closing, I ask my colleagues to support this very important bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1762, the Protecting Indian Tribes from Scams Act. I want to thank Representative Mullin and Representative O'Halleran for their work on this particular issue. This bipartisan piece of legislation will help our Native nations. One area that can be overlooked in Federal fraud prevention efforts, Mr. Speaker, is scams targeting Indian Tribal members. The scope and scale of scams that target Indian Tribes have not been well documented, hindering efforts to prevent them. This legislation would direct the FTC, the Federal Trade Commission, to submit to Congress a report on unfair or deceptive acts or practices targeting Indian Tribes. Simply put, these scammers ruin lives, unfortunately. To address these scams properly, we must educate all Americans on how to avoid malicious scammers. This legislation passed the House last Congress, and I am hopeful we can again pass it today and get this legislation to become law as soon as possible. I can't think of a better person to sponsor this than my good friend, Mr. Mullin. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin).

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote for it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 446, the Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act. I would like to thank Representative Robin Kelly of the Energy and Commerce Committee for her bipartisan work with Representative Troy Balderson to protect our constituents. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned the lives of millions of Americans upside down, unfortunately. We were all forced to isolate, sometimes even away from our families and friends, to stay safe. Unfortunately, it is during these times when bad actors aim to exploit the most vulnerable. Promising fake lifesaving medication and stimulus checks, scammers will stop at nothing to take advantage of others. H.R. 446 would protect Americans, especially seniors, from malicious and deceptive scams by augmenting the tools included in other recently enacted legislation. As they have worked on legislation to fight scammers, I have supported my colleagues' efforts to incorporate provisions that encourage cooperation with law enforcement. I am pleased to see such efforts continue in this legislation. Mr. Speaker, of course, I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Balderson), the cosponsor of the legislation.

Mr. BILIRAKIS

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill. It is a great bill, a good consumer protection bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1460, the Nicholas and Zachary Burt Memorial Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2021. I thank Representatives Carter and Kuster, two great members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I thank them for their work on this important piece of legislation and for the many years they have served and worked to protect consumers. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel, and most people know that. Exposure to unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a serious health condition that could result in death, unfortunately. Mr. Speaker, unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning from motor vehicles and the abnormal operation of fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, water heaters, portable generators, and stoves kills more than 400 people each year and sends more than 15,000 to hospital emergency rooms for treatment. This legislation would protect Americans from an otherwise undetectable harm. This bipartisan bill represents a longstanding commitment of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to protect America's consumers, families, and children. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this particular bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter), my good friend. Mr. Speaker, I really appreciate his perspective on the Committee on Energy and Commerce as the only pharmacist on the committee. I thank him for sponsoring this legislation.